Future Goals
1. Advance our mission by investing in upstream solutions that address the social determinants of health and build a sustainable continuum of care focused on long-term wellbeing.
2. Invest in welcoming, accessible spaces that reflect dignity, connection, and the quality of care every person deserves, especially for older adults.
3. Expand investments in senior care by strengthening innovative care models, reducing isolation, and ensuring older adults can live with dignity, purpose, and belonging.
4. Support teen parents and their children through continued investment in Young Parent Living Program transitional shelters including a new playground and roof.
5. Grow our network of foster families for unaccompanied refugee youth and children who need additional supports.
6. Create pathways to financial stability through English classes, workforce development, career training, and reliable transportation through growing programs like Good News Garage.
7. Walk alongside people with disabilities and mental health challenges to live, work, and participate fully in their communities through individualized support.
8. Expand Ascentria’s volunteer program by creating new, meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and community groups to connect their skills and passions with mission-driven work that strengthens programs and creates lasting impact.
Fundraising Opportunities
Ascentria invites businesses, individuals, and community partners to engage with our mission through events, sponsorships, and hands-on opportunities throughout the year.
Our signature Lighting the Way: Ascentria Awards Ceremony celebrates the individuals, partners, and community leaders who embody our values of Courage, Resilience, Compassion, Dedication, and Integrity. Businesses can support this event through corporate sponsorships, as we recognize those creating positive change across our communities.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for program events such as World Refugee Day in June, a celebration honoring the strength, culture, and contributions of refugees, as well as concerts and enrichment programming at Ascentria senior living communities, including Lutheran Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center and Goddard and Hall Senior Living in Worcester.
Corporate partners can engage their employees through customized volunteer days and donation drives that create meaningful connections between their workforce and the people Ascentria serves.
We welcome businesses interested in partnerships that align employee engagement, community investment, and philanthropy to create lasting impact across New England.
Giving Opportunities
Every gift to Ascentria helps remove barriers and create opportunities for individuals and families. Donations are accepted year-round through annual giving, monthly donations, planned gifts, gifts of stock, donor-advised funds, in memoriam giving, and workplace giving.
In-kind giving provides another meaningful way to help. Annual drives include our Back-to-School Drive supporting children in foster care and our December Giving Tree program, which supports children and families across Ascentria programs. As the number of families we serve continues to grow, we welcome new Giving Tree partners to help expand this holiday tradition. Contact Jillian Decker at advancement@ascentria.org to learn more.
Vehicle donations to Good News Garage directly change lives. Vehicles are towed at no cost, and donors qualify for a tax deduction. Repaired cars are awarded to community members who need reliable transportation. For many recipients, a car is the key to employment, education, healthcare, long-term stability, and greater independence.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ascentria is reimagining volunteerism to meet the growing needs of our communities while creating more meaningful ways for individuals, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups to make a difference.
Our expanding volunteer program offers opportunities for every schedule and skill set, from one-time service projects and seasonal donation drives to ongoing mentoring, event support, and client engagement. Businesses can participate in customized employee volunteer days, assemble care packages, organize gift card and supply drives, or lend professional expertise.
Volunteers can support children and families, refugees and immigrants, older adults, and people with disabilities through projects that strengthen programs and build community. Whether you have two hours, one day, or are seeking a long-term commitment, Ascentria will help match your interests and talents with opportunities that create lasting impact.
To learn more about current volunteer opportunities or to build a customized volunteer experience for your organization, contact info@ascentria.org.
Ashish Cowlagi, Pragya Systems, Board President
Alexander Bartholomew, Bartholomew and Co., Board Fin Sec’y; Finance Co-Chair
Maybeth Campbell, Worcester Community Action Council, Governance Chair
Board members
Keith Robertson, The Ziegler Companies, Director
Peter Schmidt, Transcend Air, Director
Bishop Nathan Pipho, New England ELCA Lutheran Synod, Director
Dr. Brian Gibbs, UMass Memorial Health, Director
Dr. Rev. Debora Jackson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Director
Barry Maloney, Worcester State University, Director
William Mayo, The Broad Institute, Director
Roberta Brien, Worcester Business Development Corporation, Director
